Their music was a revolutionary combination of heavy rock and hip hop,
with punk and jazz elements.

Most of Zack de la Rocha's lyrics in RATM dealt political and social
concern, but he manages to fit some personality in, too.

Rage publically supported political causes, and played many benefit
concerts as well as voicing their opinion about particular issues.

Rage's politics were generally "leftist". Left-wing politics are
usually those concerning the working class, the environment and
and a fair, just manner of collective coexistence.

The "machine" in question can be quickly defined as the state
propaganda system of media, corporations, and government. It can
just as easily mean any form of illegitimate authority.

"Rage" directed at the machine means demonstrating, by any means
necessary, one's dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Rage was about generating social conciousness, urging activism &
involvement, and fighting for change. They spoke for a number of
people and cultures.

By broadcasting over popular media, Rage sparked a new consciousness
in many minds. To quote Zack de la Rocha: "We're not going to play to
the mainstream. We're going to hijack it." Rage created commercially
viable music, that was still rebellious and sincere in it's nature.